Magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord
Spinal cord MRI in Casablanca
Spinal cord MRI focuses on the spinal cord, the cord of nerve tissue that starts from the brain and runs down inside the spine to the upper part of the lower back. Unlike a spine MRI, which mainly looks at the vertebrae and discs, it studies the nerve tissue itself, most often along its entire length. It helps look for inflammation, a cavity, a malformation or a tumor of the spinal cord, and monitor the course of a neurological disease.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, longer if it is combined with a brain MRI.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- Suspected multiple sclerosis or another inflammatory disease of the nervous system, or its follow-up.
- Suspected myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord), with sensory problems or loss of strength.
- Stiffness of the legs and walking difficulties with no identified cause.
- Detection or monitoring of syringomyelia (a fluid-filled cavity in the spinal cord) or a Chiari malformation.
- Investigation of a tumor or a vascular malformation of the spinal cord.
- Sensory problems rising up to a precise level of the trunk.
How the exam is done
You lie on your back on a coil that covers the entire spine, supplemented by a coil around the head and neck. The exam is done in successive segments, from the nape of the neck down to the conus medullaris (the lower end of the spinal cord), and the table moves between two segments.
The spinal cord is a thin organ: any movement, even swallowing or coughing, can affect the image. Stay relaxed and breathe slowly. Gadolinium is often injected through a vein in the arm, then some sequences are repeated on the relevant areas. Because the exam is longer than an MRI of a single level, report any discomfort during the breaks. If a brain MRI is prescribed at the same time, it is performed straight afterwards.
Preparation
- Go to the restroom just before, as the exam is longer than average.
- Remove hair clips, hearing aids, jewelry and any metal objects.
- Mention spasms, pain or difficulty staying still, so that the positioning can be adapted.
- Mention claustrophobia when you book your appointment.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned.
Contrast injection
A gadolinium injection is common, particularly for multiple sclerosis, myelitis or a tumor, because it can show an active lesion. It is given through a vein in the arm, during the exam.
Contraindications and precautions
- Neurostimulator, pacemaker or defibrillator: the decision depends on the compatibility of the device.
- Implanted pump (for example for spasticity): tell us, as its operation must be checked after the MRI.
- Cochlear implant, old vascular clip or metal fragment.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after a gadolinium injection.
- Severe kidney failure, before the injection.
Documents to bring
- Prescription and letter from the neurologist
- All your previous spinal cord and brain MRIs, with the reports
- Results of a lumbar puncture or other neurological tests, if they have been done
- Recent kidney function test if an injection is planned
- List of treatments, particularly disease-modifying treatment for multiple sclerosis
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of spinal cord MRI varies depending on the length of spinal cord to be covered and the gadolinium injection, which is common when looking for an active lesion.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why study the whole spinal cord and not just one region?
In inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lesions can be found at several levels, sometimes without corresponding symptoms. Examining the spinal cord along its entire length gives an overall view, useful for diagnosis and for comparisons at follow-up exams.
Why is a brain MRI often prescribed at the same time?
The brain and spinal cord together form the central nervous system, and some diseases affect both. Performing both exams in the same session avoids a second appointment and allows the radiologist to analyze all the lesions together.
What is the difference with a cervical or lumbar spine MRI?
A spine MRI targets one level of the spine and mainly looks for a herniated disc, osteoarthritis or a narrow spinal canal. Spinal cord MRI focuses on the inside of the spinal cord, over a greater length, with sequences adapted to neurological diseases.
Why bring my previous MRIs?
Follow-up is based on comparison: new lesions, lesions that have grown or that take up contrast. Without previous exams, the radiologist can only describe the current state. Bring the images, on CD or via a link, and the reports, even old ones.
Spinal cord MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of spinal cord MRI varies depending on the length of spinal cord to be covered and the gadolinium injection, which is common when looking for an active lesion. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.